The Soapbox

Jeanne Ives and Stephanie Kifowit announced their resignations from the Wheaton and Aurora city councils following their election to the state legislature. Ives, a Republican, and Kifowit, a Democrat, will deal with unparalleled challenges in their new roles. Here's hoping these ex-municipal leaders can be part of many solutions.

Suburban standout:

As if having Schaumburg High School teacher Brian Curtin named Illinois' teacher of the year this month wasn't enough, now one of our own is the state's top school superintendent. Jane Westerhold, superintendent of Des Plaines School District 62, was honored recently by the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

Great neighbors:

We add our voice to those of Lake Zurich officials who praised neighbors who pitched in for a new deck for a family with an autistic child. They donated materials and labor and even a new grill at the home of Larry and Kelly Brodeur and their son, Harrison, 10.

High-tech history:

What better way to preserve a community's history than by bringing the public into the process? The Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library in Hampshire did it right with its recent Digital Donation Day. Residents brought in old family photos and documents to be scanned for the library's local digital archives.

Snake speak:

If you want to sell a product or idea, advertisers will tell you children and animals can help do the job. "Squeezy the Pension Python" and pictures of cute kids are front and center in Gov. Pat Quinn's online campaign for pension reform. Clever, yes; odd, perhaps -- but if it keeps the dialogue going, that's a plus.

It takes a ...

What to do in Antioch, when Santa's Enchanted Castle has become too timeworn to welcome children and families as it has the past 25 Christmases? Why, turn it into a village, of course. With donations, Antioch is repurposing a portion of its village hall into a "magical" display. Santa would be pleased.

Naperville's big deal:

Small wonder the 29 people who spoke before the Naperville City Council this week about the massive Water Street project were evenly divided in their support or opposition. The plan includes a seven-story, 131-room Holiday Inn, restaurant, shops, 62 apartments and a 580-space parking deck -- all a stone's throw from city hall.

Some say, others say:

Opponents of the plan say it's too dense and will overwhelm the city's downtown and vaunted Riverwalk. Supporters say a downtown hotel is long overdue, plus the project will bring much-needed "vitality, new business and new revenues," one speaker opined.

No rush?

Naperville council members, even after four hours of debate, postponed a decision on Water Street for a second time. That may be frustrating to some, especially developer Marquette Properties, but this project will have such an impact, it's crucial that the city get it right.

Eye on crime:

The stunning clarity of the surveillance photo we published this week of a suspected bank robber in Buffalo Grove has us wondering: With such advanced cameras being used now, why would anyone dare to commit such a bold crime?

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